Never Too Far Novel

Chapter 381

As such, Alex could only return to the office with Anastasia as he wondered why the lady wouldn’t want to continue waiting until the rain stopped at the café. At the same time, Anastasia set her eyes on the rain outside the window, knowing that the road ahead of them was barely visible no matter how fast the windscreen wipers were working. Therefore, she believed it would take Elliot about half an hour before he arrived at her father’s company. At the thought of that, she sent him a text message and told him to be careful. “Keep a cool head, Elliot. It’s pouring heavily now, and it’s too dangerous to drive.’

However, Anastasia’s message was met with silence as the man didn’t respond. Therefore, she couldn’t help but feel concerned about his safety while reprimanding him deep down for making her worried. You’re sick, Elliot, so why won’t you stay put and rest instead?

A few moments later, both of them arrived at Tillman Construction, whereupon Anastasia told Alex to return to the office and waited in the lobby. In the meantime, Alex could guess who she was waiting for as he wondered whether Elliot was really coming to meet her despite the heavy rain. After all, he would gloat over Elliot’s misery if something ever happened to him on the way.

Meanwhile, Anastasia looked outside the window anxiously as she didn’t see any car in sight. Nevertheless, she saw a black sedan coming her way in the rain fifteen minutes later. As the view slowly became clearer, Anastasia was able to identify Elliot’s Rolls-Royce Phantom and heaved a sigh of relief until she realized there was a truck parked in the lobby not long after it was unloaded. Because of that, Elliot couldn’t drive into the building and had no way of entering the lobby without getting wet.

Therefore, Anastasia anxiously looked around for the driver to get him to move the truck away, only to see the headlights of the man’s car going out in the rain. Then, Elliot ran toward the building without even taking an umbrella with him, putting Anastasia on edge as she desperately scurried through the door and was greeted by the man’s drenched appearance. At the same time, Elliot was happy to see her as she had been anxiously waiting for him despite his messy look.

“Why did you come here? Don’t you know it’s pouring outside?” Anastasia lectured the man.

However, Elliot reacted with a smile, looking at her with a tender expression on his face as water trickled down his hair. “Even if it puts my life at risk, I’ll do anything just to see you.”

Anastasia then took some tissue paper from her purse and wiped the man’s wet hair, as well as the water droplets on his shoulder. Suddenly, she felt the man’s arm wrapped around her waist shortly before she found herself in his tight embrace.

You…” Anastasia angrily looked up at Elliot.

“After all the mean things you said to me, you still can’t deny that you care about me.” Elliot fixed his eyes on her.

“I don’t.” She looked away guiltily.

“You do.” He planted a kiss on the lady’s forehead, not caring if there were people around them.

On the other hand, Alex was watching behind a pillar with his eyes fixed on the man and the woman during their lovey-dovey interaction in the lobby, clenching his fists without any idea that he was also being watched by someone from behind him.

It turned out that Erica had accidentally run into Alex and caught his jealous look when he was peeking at Elliot and Anastasia. Thus, she quickly approached Alex and seized his arm, stunning him as she dragged him to the stairs just next to them.

Upon closing the door behind her, Erica chuckled glacially and said, “You seem jealous, Mr. Hunter, but do you think my sister would even bother to look at someone like you? She is a snob who only has eyes for a rich and handsome man like Elliot.”

“What are you talking about, Miss Erica? I don’t quite follow.” Alex refused to admit his feelings.

However, Erica had witnessed his earlier reaction. She replied, “You saw just how sweet my older sister and Elliot were back there, didn’t you? However, you and I both know that you can never take Anastasia away from Elliot.”

Hearing the lady’s words, Alex was jealous yet helpless. After all, he had no choice but to admit Anastasia’s feelings for Elliot, judging from the sympathy she was showing him for meeting her in the rain despite refusing to pick up his call in the café earlier.

What else can I call that if not love?

Erica suddenly approached the man closer, seizing his arm while giving him a coy look. “Anastasia and I are both sisters from the Tillmans, so why don’t you consider dating me, Mr. Hunter? After all, I think I can be a good girlfriend just as much as my sister could be.”

“Let’s keep this civil, Miss Erica.” Alex shivered in that instant.

Nevertheless, Erica didn’t take her hand off Alex. Instead, she wrapped her arms around his neck in a seductive manner while resting her face on his shoulder. “My sister may not know how to appreciate you, Mr. Hunter, but I’m not like her. To me, you’re simply the kind of man I admire and look up to.”

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Alex kept his eyes fixed upon Erica, seemingly thinking about what to do with his next move. After all, he knew as well that he didn’t stand a chance to get closer to Anastasia at all with Elliot by her side, but now that Erica was approaching him, he began to see it as an opportunity. “Miss Erica, I’m just an ordinary man without anything worth admiring, so I wonder what makes you like me so much.” Alex let out a sigh.

“I’m not like my sister who only wants to marry a rich man. I, on the other hand, prefer to trust my own feelings when choosing my Mr. Right.” Erica then looked at Alex seductively. “Mr. Hunter, you’re exactly the type that I like.”

Upon hearing the lady’s words, Alex felt as if there was an electric shock that ran through his body. Although Erica was not considered a beauty like her sister was, Alex, whose nature as a man got the better of his rational mind, could not resist her advances.

In the meantime, Anastasia, who was still in the lobby, pushed Elliot aside after wiping the water off him and said, “Leave once the rain lets up.”

“Alright!” Elliot nodded obediently.

“Come on, let’s go to my lounge! It’s cold out here.” Anastasia took the man with her upstairs.

As soon as both of them arrived at a warmer place, Elliot took off his coat and revealed the dark shirt that accentuated his muscular physique beneath it. However, Anastasia looked away like she was trying to resist something. In fact, she was trying to resist the man’s charming and masculine aura deep down so that she wouldn’t fall further for him.

At that moment, Alex knocked on the door and entered the place despite knowing Elliot was around; he was going to deliberately ruin his private moment with Anastasia. After all, Erica was just a substitute to him since Anastasia was still the woman he loved. Nonetheless, Alex’s presence had put a frown on Elliot’s face as the latter immediately wrapped his arm around Anastasia while she made him some tea.

Before Anastasia could even finish making him tea, she lost her balance and sat on the man’s lap with the tea bag still in her hand. Just as she was about to lecture him, she noticed the coldness that filled his eyes before she quickly understood that it was Alex’s presence that put him on edge.

Okay, I guess that’s the nature of men. They can’t tolerate anyone else who sets foot on their turf, which is why this guy is trying to assert his dominance.

“You’re here, Mr. Presgrave.” Alex timidly greeted Elliot.

“I’ll stay here and keep Anastasia company. You may attend to your work now, Mr. Hunter,” Elliot coldly said to Alex.

“Alright!” Alex smiled, his face darkening the moment he turned around. It seems that Elliot really doesn’t give a damn about my presence.

Soon, Anastasia rose from her seat and reminded the man to behave. “Keep your mischief in check while you’re here. I wouldn’t want to be caught in a lovey-dovey situation with you.”

“What’s wrong with that? Are you worried that Mr. Hunter is going to get jealous?” Elliot grunted in an annoyed manner.

“Alex is just an employee in my father’s company. That makes us nothing more than colleagues,” Anastasia explained herself.

While Elliot believed in the lady, his pride and jealousy wouldn’t allow him to stand by and watch any man get close to Anastasia. Soon, he faked a cough and looked at the woman, trying to feel her concern just as the lady turned around and met his eyes.

“Don’t worry. I took my medication today.” Elliot assured Anastasia that he only had a cold, which persisted because of insufficient rest.

Soon, Anastasia poured him a glass of hot tea and said, “You’re your grandma’s only heir, so you should take good care of yourself, not to mention the fact that she is already in her twilight years.” Meanwhile, Elliot didn’t feel happy when he saw her glacial look even though she still cared about his family.

“Please don’t blame my grandma, Anastasia. I’m the one to blame instead.” Elliot tried to shoulder all the responsibility.

Am I supposed to blame a six-year-old kid for that incident back then? Nah! As a mother with a son, Anastasia could empathize with Elliot’s younger self and relate to the fear that was tormenting him.

“Can you still remember what happened back then?”

Elliot shook his head. “Actually, my grandma sought help from many psychiatrists and hypnotists for me at that time.” He closed his eyes as soon as he finished his sentence, seemingly trying to find the memory that was lost in his mind.

Anastasia’s eyes widened slightly before she seized the man’s arm. “That’s enough.”

“I’m sorry. If I could remember something, maybe I’ll know what happened back then.” Elliot looked up apologetically.

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Soon, Anastasia recalled her father’s words, remembering her mother had been urged to save an innocent life due to the urgent situation. After all, she knew her mother wouldn’t have stood by and watched while a six-year-old kid was about to get killed. Convinced that everyone had an instinct of protecting the weak, she believed her mother was motivated by the same reason before she risked herself to save an innocent life.

“I don’t blame you and your grandma.” Nonetheless, Anastasia couldn’t convince herself to let go of the past as Riley’s words made her realize she could never fall in love with Elliot. After all, she couldn’t get over the fact that he had indirectly caused her mother’s death, which held her back from falling in love with him because she thought it would be unfair to her late mother if she did that. “We could be friends,” Anastasia said.

Meanwhile, Elliot was annoyed by Anastasia’s reply, finding it ironic to hear because he was just trying to comfort her a few moments ago.

Friends? No way! I’ll never accept our relationship as friends!

“Well, I suppose friends can become lovers and marry each other later on. Don’t you think so?” Elliot emphasized his point.

Anastasia looked away and replied, “No. We’ll either be friends or strangers.”

Despite her cold reply, Elliot was able to empathize with Anastasia, knowing that Riley had said many unpleasant things to her that made her reject him. “Alright, I respect your wish. We’ll be friends then.” Elliot took a step back, but not before he demonstrated his authority over her by giving her an order. “However, if you’re ever going to marry someone, it’s going to be me and only me!”

Anastasia was rendered speechless by the man’s words, thinking his domineering and possessive character hadn’t changed one bit.

“The same goes for me. I’ll marry no one else but you,” Elliot soon added.

Anastasia’s face blushed as her embarrassment overwhelmed her even though she didn’t meet Elliot’s eyes. “My decision to get married is none of your concern. The same goes for yours,” Anastasia answered.

Elliot smiled and said, “Fine, we’ll just stay single for each other for the rest of our lives!”

Fine, he wins. While Anastasia helplessly patted her forehead, Francis entered the building from the rain. When he heard Elliot was in the lounge, he quickly came over to greet him. “I didn’t know you’d be here, Mr. Presgrave. Please make yourself at home.” Francis approached Elliot to shake his hand.

“You’re too kind, Mr. Tillman,” Elliot politely replied.

“Anastasia, please receive our guest, Mr. Presgrave.” Francis turned his attention to his daughter. Deep down, he sincerely hoped that her daughter would end up being together with Elliot upon leveraging the situation as a businessman. After all, Tillman Constructions would be backed by Elliot’s powerful influence if they got together. Besides that, he believed his grandchildren and daughter would be loved and treated well by the people of the Presgrave Family, considering their guilt for his wife.

“Sure, Father. Please leave me to it,” Anastasia answered. Just when Elliot was wondering how Anastasia would receive him after Francis left, he saw the lady looking at the rain that was letting up outside the window before she shifted her gaze to him. “Alright, the rain has let up. It’s time for you to go.”

Wait, what? Is this how she is going to receive her guest? By showing me the door? Elliot was rendered speechless. “I’m not leaving yet. I’m going to have lunch with you and accompany you to pick up Jared. Then, I’m going to have my dinner at your place later at night.” In fact, Elliot had figured out his plan for the day. His phone rang just then, whereupon he picked it up and said, “I’m not going back to the office today. Please cancel all my meetings.” Before Rey could remind Elliot about his work, the latter ended the call.

At the same time, Anastasia looked at the man with a stunned expression while wondering what he was up to. What’s this guy thinking? He still has a ton of things to handle back in his office! “I don’t need you to keep me company here, Elliot. Go ahead and attend to your business!” Anastasia didn’t want Elliot to waste his time accompanying her, only to work overtime at night.

“It’s okay. I’m willing to waste my time keeping you company.” Elliot raised his eyebrows slightly, telling the lady with the tenacious look on his face that he wasn’t about to give up. In the face of his stubbornness, Anastasia felt helpless without knowing what else she could do about it.

“Bourgeois is shifting to a new location, but we’ll be keeping your office space nonetheless. You’re welcome to work with us anytime.” Elliot offered Anastasia to return to Bourgeois so that no other man would get close to her.

“I’m going to stay in my father’s company to learn about business management for the time being.” Anastasia revealed her plans to remain in Francis’ company.

“Alright, I respect your decision,” Elliot said in a chivalrous manner.

“By the way, who is Aliona? The client that I was supposed to meet belonged to her, but I was kidnapped after that.” Anastasia mentioned Aliona to Elliot. Although she didn’t blame her, she was still mad about what had happened earlier.

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Elliot was stunned. “Shouldn’t you have dealt with your own client by yourself?”

“Nope! I was told by Felicia that the client was initially Aliona’s to deal with when I confronted and asked her about that earlier, but since my design caught the client’s eye, I was asked to take over the negotiation. Shortly after that, I was kidnapped by Riley’s henchmen at the rendezvous, which was a café where I was supposed to meet the client.” Anastasia’s eyes were filled with puzzlement. “How did they know I was going to show up at that café and park in that specific spot?”

good friend, Lucas Dora, He raised her abroad. While Lucas is a respected

daughter?” Anastasia knitted her eyebrows,

care of Aliona, but I promise I’m going to investigate the matter with your client.” Elliot didn’t want to take any chances and put

have lunch together, but you need to go back and do your work when we’re done, okay?” Anastasia asked as

reluctant look, Elliot smiled bitterly and said, “Alright, I’ll leave when we’re done with

of them left, Alex was watching them through the window in the office on the third floor. As he stared at Elliot’s car while the man drove away, Alex clenched his fists because Anastasia no longer seemed to be the same person he

only has eyes for rich men. It’s no wonder she doesn’t even

detailed remarks when placing orders for Elliot’s meal, which indirectly revealed her subconscious concern for the

the waiter left the lounge, Anastasia turned her attention to the man and happened to meet his gaze, noticing his smiling face that was looking at her. In that instant, Anastasia paused in a trance for a few seconds just as she felt

me like that.”

I look at my future wife?” Elliot

need to put a stop to your sweet-talking. I don’t like to hear any of that.” Anastasia appeared annoyed, but

like to take Jared to a place that’s fun this weekend. Would you mind lending me your son for

understood Elliot was inviting her as well, for she knew the man was counting on her son

I heard from a friend that they are worth a try. I’d like

for her son to do something outside after staying home for so long. “Alright, go ahead then. Take Jared

“What about you?”

my holiday staying at home.” Anastasia was aware not to fall for

would help him achieve his goal even faster. “Have you realized that Jared and I look alike? We seem like a father and son, don’t we?” Elliot

was unwilling to admit it, she couldn’t deny the fact that her son liked Elliot very much. “Well,

lady’s words. They left after finishing lunch, whereupon Elliot took her back to Tillman Constructions. Before she got out of

askance at Elliot in an annoyed manner, feeling helpless with his

that every other man goes around charming ladies like him? I only want to take over my father’s

be careful on the road before

had him in her heart even though

Chapter 385

really keep his jealousy in

Francis’ office to find Erica tugging their father’s sleeve, buttering up

do what Anastasia

out and

You don’t love me at all. All you care about is Anastasia,” Erica whined as she turned around in anger,

“Okay, okay, we’ll talk about this

Young Master Presgrave left? A few clients will be coming in the afternoon. You should get

father’s words. Sure

introduce them

you around first.” Galled,

company? She had long wanted to leave, for she

for Mr. Hunter!” Erica now

turned to Anastasia. “Have

at that. She swore nothing could escape

What your mother did was out of instinct, and it has nothing to do with anyone. If she’s watching,

so?” Anastasia looked

Presgraves’ debt to your mother will have Young Master Presgrave treating you and Jared well for your whole lives. At the very least, he won’t let you down or have an

words, the sadness and hesitation within Anastasia had alleviated. Riley had merely said those

The one who deserved

it,

Francis’ phone rang. He picked up the call and said, “Alright,

and have lunch

of his important clients while

Hunter, can you teach

can’t touch these papers.” The way

that and sat down next to him, resting her hand naturally on his leg. “Are you available tonight, Mr. Hunter? Why don’t

office.” Despite

lately, and she was beginning to find Alex pleasing to the eye. “Does it scare you to live alone, Mr. Hunter?

whispered into his ear,

stiffened upon hearing that, and he looked over at Erica. Though she wasn’t as beautiful as Anastasia, she wasn’t unattractive either. Naturally, how could he resist the temptation when she was offering herself on a

of a cliff, difficult to pick. Plus, now that Elliot was by her side, it was even more impossible for him to get close to her anymore. Hence, he decided to

effective way to

like me?” Alex looked at Erica with a blazing gaze as

into his arms. “Of course! You’re so capable. Plus, my dad thinks highly of you, and

Chapter 386

him. From now on, he’d work with this

to dig into Aliona’s client and why did the kidnapping happen at

it. She promptly asked Aliona for her client’s profile,

did you meet

“She came to me

you familiar

Is everything alright, Felicia?”

You can go back to your work.” Felicia thought she shouldn’t let on more. It seemed

office, Aliona couldn’t help heaving a sigh of relief. In actuality, she had been having a tough time lately, for the failed kidnapping caused her

heart was a piece of cake when she was living abroad, but ever

had talked to the client and colluded the story

and sent him the client’s profile while

Anastasia’s kidnapping. Surely something had gone wrong somewhere, especially when his bodyguards noted the kidnappers had

then ordered Rey, “Dig into this client.” She was in her early fifties. Judging by the woman’s age, she was likely

made sense when he

hand, Aliona asked for leave in the afternoon to meet

taken into custody now. From now on, you have to

son’s footage, or I won’t

your position? Your son and his footage are in our hands. Now that my godfather has handed all the power to me, I can do

fists, but he was like

do you

to Elliot so that I

your godfather’s been taken into custody, why don’t you take over his business? We can make a good deal, and you don’t

able to give me? From what I know, your son has used up almost all of your wealth. Can you give me five billion? If not, there’s nothing we can talk about.” What Aliona was asking for was daylight robbery. What was more, she was planning a way out. Once she gave the Presgraves an heir, she’d have more than a mere

not that easy to get close

give me the chance.” Aliona bore into him. “Think about

organizing a charity event lately, and I’ll invite him then. Meanwhile, you should find an opportunity

know what to do if Elliot

when my son is in your hands.” Lucas closed his eyes. What a bitter

Chapter 387

all she could do was wait for Lucas’ news before she took the next step. She had to bear Elliot’s child quickly, for Riley was still

her bandage for the first time a week after her surgery. Now that her face was no longer

become oval. Her double eyelids were still swollen, but her nose had become taller, her lips were now prettier, and her

at that—she was finally beautiful. Though it wasn’t as good-looking as Anastasia’s all-natural

swelling was gone entirely, she’d

she had

find her profile and features similar to Anastasia’s. She

when she sees my face? Will it disgust

in love at one point once her face had healed entirely

the night five years ago was unforgettable to him. If he suddenly had the urge to revisit the feeling, only she would be

Miss Seymour. A perfect

and the happiness was gone in a

praising her would be like praising Anastasia,

remind her of Anastasia’s perfect, all-natural face whenever anyone

Jared, Anastasia planned to watch some TV and relax when her phone

doing

answered

I hang out

Anastasia checked the time at

business dinner, and I’ll be passing by your place on my way home. I

you just see

me, there isn’t a second that I don’t stop thinking about seeing you.” Elliot became the embodiment of

other hand, was rendered

already have a child by now if he used this

up then.” Finally, she said

Elliot responded,

regular night turned exciting

up to make

the doorbell rang. She checked the peephole, and sure enough, a certain someone was standing outside

opened the door only to find he hadn’t come alone, but also brought tons of stuff with him! The most eye-catching thing would be the latest set of Legos.

didn’t know

“Jared loves them.”

to spoil him,” she

well, Mr. Osborne?” Anastasia

dare he stay when his boss had come to spend some quality time with Miss Tillman? He’d like to live a couple more decades, after all. “No, thanks. I still

he saw the lego sets on the couch.

threw himself into Elliot’s arms, leading Anastasia to shake her head. This guy has

you’ve taken my presents. Listen to

Chapter 388

to Mommy and not make her angry.”

boy. Go on, have

into his room. Meanwhile, Anastasia stored the rest of the presents

with

upon meeting his fathomless gaze.

just have to smile more at me. It works better than any medicine in this world.” Elliot smiled. Not even a sliver

she handed the bowl of fruit to